Solar Panel Cost Guide in Superior, MI (2024 Update)
- Superior Solar Installation Cost: $17,419
- 25-Year Savings: $13,064
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Superior
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Superior.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Superior, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Superior homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,419 with the federal tax credit, or $24,909 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Superior depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Superior find going solar has a decent ROI.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Superior
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,027 |
| 3 years | $-13,242 |
| 5 years | $-10,457 |
| 7 years | $-7,673 |
| 9 years | $-4,888 |
| 11 years | $-2,103 |
| 13 years | $681 |
| 15 years | $3,466 |
| 17 years | $6,251 |
| 19 years | $9,035 |
| 21 years | $11,820 |
| 23 years | $14,605 |
| 25 years | $17,389 |
Top Solar Installers in Superior
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Another great thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Superior
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Superior
While the average cost of a solar system in Superior is $17,419, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Superior, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Superior to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Superior, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.22 | $17,734 | $6,856 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $9,597 | 17.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $12,564 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $15,759 | 17.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $19,181 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $22,831 | 16.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $26,708 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $30,812 | 15.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Superior, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Superior, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Superior?
The average cost of solar panels in Superior is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Superior?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Superior is currently $302,984, which means you can look forward to a value of about $12,422 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Superior is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.